Student Program

For students focused on building a career as an environmental professional—be it as an engineer, scientist, attorney, or regulator—it’s never too early to begin building a body of work and a list of industry contacts. A&WMA’s 101st Annual Conference & Exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for students to meet both new and seasoned professionals and participate in the global conversation on the environment.

A&WMA’s 2008 Student Program features the Environmental Challenge International, as well as a student paper/poster contest, a career tutorial, job networking, and much more. Students are encouraged to visit the First-Timers’ Reception; the Grand Reception; the exhibition hall; technical presentations, including keynotes, the Critical Review, plenary sessions, panels, and paper discussions; tours; outreach events; and other scheduled events. Students can also take advantage of A&WMA’s Career Fair and MentorNet Program, and check out the A&WMA Resource Center and on-site bookstore while in Portland.

Students are also encouraged to bring their resume to the Resource Center on Thursday, June 26, 11:00am-1:30 pm, for a free critique!


The Environmental Challenge International (ECi)
Sponsored by URS Corporation and the
PNWIS section of A&WMA

The Environmental Challenge International (ECi) is a student team competition to prepare and present an optimal solution to a complex “true-to-life” environmental problem, offering more than US$15,000 in prize money....more details.


Student Paper/Poster Contest and Awards Ceremony and Reception
Poster Session sponsored by Firestone Specialty Products

Students are invited to participate in A&WMA’s annual Student Paper/Poster Contest. Prizes will be awarded in each of three student categories: Doctoral, Masters, and Undergraduate levels. Awards range from $900-$4,100 at the Doctoral level; $600-$2600 at the Master's level, and $400-$1,800 at the Undergraduate level. Students are encouraged to submit papers/posters that address any subjects relative to air and waste issues. A student paper/poster awards ceremony and reception will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., and is open to all students attending the conference. Paper/poster judges and student chapter faculty advisors are also welcome to attend.


Career Presentations

Tuesday, June 24 10:00 – 11:30 a.m
.
While in Portland, students will have ample opportunity to learn how to direct their careers from those already in the field. On Tuesday, June 24, 10:00-10:45 a.m., a panel composed of young professionals—those with a maximum of 10 years experience—will offer insight into planning a career path and answer student questions.

Next, 10:45-11:15 a.m., presenters representing various aspects of the environmental industry, including regulation, consulting, policy, academia, and industry, will focus on the ins and outs of beginning or switching jobs. 11:15-11:30 a.m., learn the value of holding professional certification.


Speed Networking

Sponsored by
Montana Tech

Tuesday, June 24
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Immediately following Tuesday’s career presentations, students are invited to engage in “Speed Networking” with practicing professionals in varying environmental disciplines. Participants can learn more about A&WMA’s Career Center and may have opportunities to network with organizations looking to fill open positions.


Professional Development
Courses


Get in on the courses professionals are taking to advance their careers. Students who attend A&WMA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition qualify for discounts on professional development course registration fees. A current student I.D. is required. Visit the professional development area of this site for an entire listing of offered courses.

Some topics of interest include:

AIR-182: Air Permitting - The Basics
INSTRUCTOR: Leo Stander, P.E., BCEE,
Environmental Consultant
One-Day Course, Monday, June 23
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

EMGM-101: Managing Environmental
Compliance at the Plant Level
INSTRUCTOR: Randall G. York, P.E., BCEE,
Branch Manager, ERM
One Half-Day Course, Monday, June 23
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

GEN-100: Environmental Practices
Review (EPR)
INSTRUCTOR: James R. Donnelly, QEP,
Principal, J.R. Donnelly Consulting
One-Day Course, Sunday June 22
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

GENWM-100: Environmental Practices
Review (EPR) Specialty Course: Waste
Management
INSTRUCTOR: Michael G. Forbeck, P.E.,
Regional Waste Program Manager, PA Department
of Environmental Protection
One-Day Course, Monday, June 24
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.


 


A Different Kind of Green
Student Social Event
Wednesday, June 25 • 8:00 p.m.
Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with some of A&WMA’s young professionals, who can likely answer questions about breaking into the competitive environmental field. Join us at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub (the #1rated Irish pub in the nation) Wednesday, June 25, from 8:00 p.m. until you’ve had enough. Take advantage of Portland’s great public transportation system to get there. A cash bar will be available for those 21 years and older. Pre-registration is required for this event. Please check the appropriate area on the registration form. Cost: $10 per person

Not Your Father's
Technical Tours

Environmental issues happen in all industries. Get up close and personal with some environmental managers as they attend to their daily responsibilities in some of today’s most interesting workplaces. Sign up now for these student technical tours.

Sustainable Building – Oregon Science and Health University Wednesday, June 25, 2008
8:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Health & Healing is the first medical and research facility anywhere to receive LEED platinum certification for energy efficiency and
environmental sustainability. Check out this one-of-a-kind facility and explore the largest and most complex sustainable medical building
in the country. Capacity: 25 • Cost: $10 per person


Sustainable Brewing - BridgePort Brewpub + Bakery


Thursday, June 26, 2008
3:00 - 6:30 p.m.
BridgePort Brewpub + Bakery, one of the Pacific Northwest’s sustainable breweries, creates biodiesel from its products. Find out how having a beer can be good for the environment-and close out the conference with new friends and light refreshments.
Capacity: 25 • Cost: $10 per person

 

 

Chapter Exchange Luncheon
Wednesday, June 25
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Make A&WMA a bigger part of your professional education through our student chapter program. The Association’s Sections & Chapters and the Higher Education Division of the Education Council present the Chapter
Exchange Luncheon.

All students are encouraged to attend, especially those interested in forming chapters at their universities. Pre-registration is required for this event. Please email Sandi Spratt, Education Associate to register.


“Sharp”en Your Oral Presentation Skills
Thursday, June 26 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m.

ACE attendees are invited to join Julie Sharp, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Vanderbilt University, for a free workshop that will focus on delivery techniques for oral presentations; organizing the oral presentation; and creating effective visual aids. E-mail Sandi Spratt to register.


And There’s Even More

Understanding that students don’t have access to expense accounts, A&WMA provides lower cost university housing for those interested in attending the conference. Accommodations at Portland State University this year also offer students the chance to live in a green building, and explore the benefits of sustainable design. See the housing and hotel information , the student housing registration form, or the student registration form for details.

(Housing registration deadline is
May 16.)


Another great way to offset the cost of attendance is by volunteering to be a
monitor.

Additionally, many A&WMA Sections &
Chapters offer student aid and programs to encourage student attendance at the Annual Conference. A list of Sections & Chapter is available online.

For additional information on the ECi and
the Student Paper/Poster Contest, contact Steve Rybolt, Port of Seattle, Seattle, WA or Sandi Spratt, A&WMA Education Associate at +1-412-904-6007.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a separate
registration form
for students.

 


Conference Sponsor





Platinum Sponsors





The Chapters of the
PNWIS Section of A&WMA







 

 

 

4